News Summary
The Florida Everblades experienced a challenging start to their season, losing 3-1 to the Orlando Solar Bears during their home opener. Despite numerous offensive opportunities, the Everblades were unable to score until the third period, with strong defense from the Solar Bears’ goalie, Jon Gillies. As the team aspires for their fourth Kelly Cup title in five years, they remain hopeful and committed as they prepare for the upcoming games, including hosting the Atlanta Gladiators next week.
Fort Myers
The Florida Everblades suffered a setback in their home opener for the 2025-2026 season, falling to the Orlando Solar Bears with a final score of 3-1. The game, which was held at Hertz Arena, marked the beginning of a new season after a lengthy five-month offseason.
Orlando opened the scoring unexpectedly, finding the back of the net in the second period. Throughout the game, the Everblades created several scoring opportunities but struggled to capitalize on them, ultimately resulting in their defeat. Despite the loss, fans recognized the persistent threats posed by the Everblades offense, as well as the impressive performance of the Solar Bears’ goalie, Jon Gillies, whose stellar saves kept the Everblades at bay.
The Everblades enter this season with the ambition of winning their fourth Kelly Cup in five years. They have a distinguished history in the ECHL with four championships to their credit, and they continue to lead the league in all-time postseason series wins and playoff victories. Following last season’s disappointing playoff elimination in the Eastern Conference Finals, the team and its fans are optimistic that the upcoming games will see them reclaim their winning ways.
Game night at the Hertz Arena was electrifying, as fans filled the venue to welcome back hockey after the offseason. The community showed strong support for the Everblades organization, reflecting pride in their team. Fans expressed their excitement not only about the return of the sport but also about new developments, including the introduction of a new mascot named Skunkee.
As the Everblades look ahead, they will host the Atlanta Gladiators next Friday night at 7:30 p.m.. Additionally, notable events planned for the season include a Teddy Bear Toss game and Fan Appreciation Night. For fans wishing to keep up with the team, broadcast options include FloHockey.TV and ESPN Southwest Florida. There are also season ticket plans and group packages available to enhance the fan experience.
Head Coach Brad Ralph is recognized for his coaching acumen and leadership, which will be crucial as the team strives to build on their strong foundation and address the challenges faced during last night’s game. While the opening night result was disappointing, the Everblades’ devoted fan base remains steadfast in their support, hopeful for an exciting season ahead.
This marks the beginning of the Everblades’ 28th season of hockey in Southwest Florida, a notable milestone for a team with a rich competitive history. As the season progresses, fans and players alike will look to reclaim the momentum needed to continue the franchise’s legacy of excellence in minor league hockey.
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Additional Resources
- Florida Everblades Opening Night
- Gulf Coast News: Everblades Drop Home Opener
- Wink News: Fans Fill Hertz Arena for Home Opener
- Wikipedia: Florida Everblades
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hockey
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
